Pravastatin (marketed as Pravachol or Selektine) is a member of the drug class of statins, used for lowering cholesterol and preventing cardiovascular disease. Initially known as CS-514, it was originally identified in a bacterium called Nocardia autotrophica by researchers of the Sankyo Pharma Inc..[1] It is presently being marketed outside Japan by the pharmaceutical company Bristol-Myers Squibb.
Statins currently available on the U.S. market include: Lipitor (atorvastatin) - Pfizer Zocor (simvastatin) - Merck Pravachol (pravastatin) - Bristol-Myers Squibb Lescol (fluvastatin) - Novartis Mevacor (lovastatin) - Merck Crestor (rosuvastatin) - AstraZeneca.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a generic version of Pravastatin for sale in the United States for the first time on April 24, 2006. Generic Pravastatin Sodium Tablets (10mg, 20mg and 40mg) are manufactured by TEVA Pharmaceuticals in Kfar Sava, Israel.[2]
References
- Yoshino G, Kazumi T, Kasama T, et al (1986). "Effect of CS-514, an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, on lipoprotein and apolipoprotein in plasma of hypercholesterolemic diabetics". Diabetes Res. Clin. Pract. 2 (3): 179-81. PMID 3091343.
- FDA Approves First Generic Pravastatin.